“Patience and confidence.”
Those are the two words 28-year-old Amber Gersjes credits for transforming years of perseverance into breakthrough success on the World Judo Tour.
The Dutch judoka, competing in the -48kg category, made her Grand Slam debut in Düsseldorf in 2018. Armed with an enviable collection of accomplishments, including junior world and European titles, alongside a steady collection of European Cup medals, she arrived on the senior circuit eager to make an immediate impact.
“I came out of my junior years with a great base of results,” Gersjes told the EJU. “However, I wasn’t patient, and the senior level demands fine-tuning. It took me some time to find a new balance.”
For nearly eight years, she searched for that balance on the World Judo Tour. She performed consistently, collecting medals at Grand Prix and European Open events and establishing herself as a respected presence on the international circuit. Yet the Grand Slam podium remained stubbornly out of reach. Thirteen appearances passed without a medal, a stretch that would have tested the resolve of many athletes.
What carried her through was a pure and genuine love of judo. “I love the sport and I knew I hadn’t reached my peak yet,” she explained. “There’s nothing I’d rather do. Even when times get tough, judo is my happy place.
“Focusing on the basics of the sport and enjoying the game reminds me why I do it. Feeling there’s more for me to discover and achieve keeps me motivated, excited and hungry for more. With the new team and renewed confidence, I now feel stronger every day.”
The breakthrough finally arrived in 2026.
At the 2026 Dushanbe Grand Slam, Gersjes reached the first World Judo Tour final of her career, leaving with a silver medal and her long-awaited podium finish on the Grand Slam stage. One week later, she returned to competition in Kazakhstan and climbed one step higher, claiming the first Grand Slam title of her career.
She credits much of that progression to the European Open circuit, which she called a “great introduction to the senior level”.
“It has the secure and supportive atmosphere of the EJU competitions that you’re used to as a cadet and junior, but with an introduction to the high level and professionalism that’s needed for the senior level.”
“I think the EJU does a great job creating a positive and professional environment.”
Those experiences helped lay the foundation for success at the highest level, where the margins between victory and defeat are often razor-thin.
“At the senior level, the qualities of the top athletes are all very close together,” Gersjes explained. “It’s about building confidence in yourself and your strengths to make a difference during a fight.”
With her first Grand Slam title now secured, Gersjes’ goals are crystal clear: “To compete for gold,” she said. “To keep working hard every day, keep pushing my limits, and bring home a golden result when it matters most.”
The road to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 begins in earnest at the upcoming 2026 Mongolia Grand Slam (19-21 June), where qualification points will start to carry increasing significance.
Yet while the destination may be clear, Gersjes is determined to stay grounded.
“On the way there, my focus is to really enjoy the journey. To stay injury-free, take everything in, and not lose sight of how special it is to be in this position as an athlete.”
“It’s a pretty special niche we’ve found ourselves in, and I think that’s something worth appreciating along the way.”
Author: EJU Media